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Work related brain injuries are very common, especially in workplace fall accidents and work related motor vehicle accidents. Common types of workplace fall accidents which result in head injuries include:
- falls from heights (roof fall accidents),
- falls from ladders, and
- trip and fall accidents.
Work related auto accidents, especially serious accidents such as truck accidents or pedestrian accidents, also result in brain or head injuries.
Related: How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Work Accident Lawsuit in Philadelphia?
Below are common questions and answers related to work accidents and brain or head injuries.
How do work related brain-head injuries occur?
Brain or head injuries usually occur when the head comes into contact with a surface. However, contact with a surface is not always required. In fact, according to medical research, severe whiplash can result in a head injury. In other words, the head does not have to come into contact with a surface.
Many people believe that a loss of consciousness is required. This is a common misconception. It is well accepted in the medical community that a brain injury can occur without a loss of consciousness.
How are brain-head injuries diagnosed?
Initially, first responders such as emergency medical technicians will attempt to evaluate an injured worker for a head injury. However, this is limited to situations in which the injured individual has clear signs of a head injury, such as bleeding from the head. If the individual does not have immediate signs of a head injury, medical doctors at the emergency room will be able to make the diagnosis.
However, in many cases, especially those involving serious orthopedic injuries, brain or head injuries may not be diagnosed right away. Major injuries requiring surgery often take center stage in the aftermath of a serious work accident. It may be days or weeks before the individual’s brain injury is actually diagnosed. Therefore, it is important to be on the lookout for the following types of symptoms:
- headaches/migraines,
- sensitivity to light,
- dizziness, and
- memory loss.
How are brain-head injuries treated?
The level of treatment for a brain or head injury depends on the extent of the injury. In cases of mild brain injuries, the usual treatment course is rest and medications to ease symptoms, such as migraine medication. In serious brain injury cases, individuals may undergo neuropsychological testing and therapy. Therapy for brain injuries often involves word retrieval and memory building/strengthening exercises.
In a small percentage of brain injury cases, the injured individual will suffer permanent symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, temperament/personality changes, depression/anxiety, etc. In these cases, the individual may receive psychological therapy and periodic sessions of intensive neuropsychological therapy.
More: Pennsylvania Brain/Head Injury Lawsuits – Future Work-Earning Loss Claims
Legal Rights for Work Related Brain Injuries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania workers who believe they suffered a work related brain or head injury should seek medical treatment right away. The next step is having the case evaluated by a lawyer. For a free case review, please call our office and ask to speak to our work accident lawyers. Click To Call
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
